Couple charged in fire that injured 7

July 29, 2009 7:25:59 AM PDT

July 29, 2009 (CHICAGO) --

A Chicago couple has been arrested by Chicago police and federal ATF agents on arson charges for allegedly setting fire to a Northwest Side apartment building last year.Authorities say the fire caused serious injury to several residents, including the intended victim and her two young daughters, ages 6 and 3.

Margarita Gonzalez and Rafael Polanco were arrested Monday Gonzalez, 25, and Polanco, 26, both of the 700-block of North Christiana in Chicago, are accused of using gasoline to start a fire in a second-floor hallway of a 12-unit apartment building at 5686 N. Elston just before 2 a.m. Nov. 7, 2008.

Several residents of the building, including four children, were rescued and transported to hospitals for burns, smoke inhalation and other injuries.

Authorities allege Gonzalez started the fire while Polanco waited in a getaway car in an alley.

Authorities say Gonzalez was upset over a relationship dispute.

If convicted, the arson count carries a penalty of 7 to 40 years in prison.